Genetic variability studies in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

The present study was conducted to determine the extent of genetic variability in turmeric genotype using 14 qualitative and quantitative characters. A total of 22 genotypes collected from four different regions were studied under field condition. A considerable level of variability for various characters was observed among different genotypes. The higher magnitude of coefficient of variation at phenotypic as well as genotypic levels were observed for number of tertiary rhizome per plant, number of secondary rhizome per plant, weight of primary rhizome per plant, number of primary rhizome per plant, number of leaves per shoot and number of tillers per clump. In general, the phenotypic coefficient of variability was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation, which indicates possibility of obtaining very high selection response in respect of these traits. The presence of high heritability in broad sense was found for most of the character except oleoresin content. High heritability for different character indicated that large proportion of phenotypic variance has been attributed to genotypic variance and therefore, reliable selection could be made for these traits on the basis of phenotypic expression. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for all the character except dry matter percent and oleoresin content, which suggest a wide scope for improvement through selection of these traits.